Conversion press end retaining bar assembly

ABSTRACT

A retainer assembly includes a retaining member assembly and a motion assembly. The retaining member assembly is structured to selectively retain at least one shell in a transfer belt assembly belt recess. The retaining member assembly includes a retaining member. The motion assembly is structured to move the retaining member between a first position, wherein the retaining member is spaced from the transfer belt assembly transfer belt, and, a second position, wherein the retaining member is disposed a retaining distance from the transfer belt assembly transfer belt.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The disclosed and claimed concept relates to a conversion press and,more specifically, to a retainer assembly for a conversion presstransfer belt assembly.

Background Information

Metallic containers (e.g., cans) for holding products such as, forexample, food and beverages, are typically provided with an easy opencan end on which a pull tab is attached (e.g., without limitation,riveted) to a tear strip or severable panel. The severable panel isdefined by a scoreline in the exterior surface (e.g., public side) ofthe can end. The pull tab is structured to be lifted and/or pulled tosever the scoreline and deflect and/or remove the severable panel,thereby creating an opening for dispensing the contents of the can.Hereinafter, a twelve ounce beverage can will be used as an example. Itis understood, however, that the disclosed and claimed concept is notlimited to twelve ounce beverage cans.

As used herein, a “can end” consists of a “shell” and “tab.” As usedherein, a “shell” is the portion of a “can end” that is structured tobe, and is, coupled to a “can body” wherein the “can body” defines agenerally enclosed space. The “tab” is the construct coupled to theshell and which is structured to be, and is, lifted and/or pivotedrelative to the shell at a location adjacent a scoreline whereby thescoreline is severed creating an opening for dispensing the contents ofthe can.

In an exemplary embodiment, the shell and the tab are made in separatepresses. The shell is created by cutting out and forming a blank from acoil of sheet metal product (e.g., without limitation, sheet aluminum;sheet steel). For the exemplary beverage can shell, the blank isgenerally planar and generally circular. For such a beverage can shell,the shell press forms an annular countersink adjacent the periphery ofthe blank as well as a seaming panel that is structured to be, and is,coupled to a can body. In one exemplary embodiment, additionalconstructs associated with a beverage can shell such as, but not limitedto, a scoreline defining a deflectable tear panel, are also formed inthe shell press. In another exemplary embodiment, the additionalconstructs are formed in the conversion press, discussed below. Further,the tabs are typically formed in the conversion press immediately priorto staking, i.e., coupling, the tabs to the shells.

Generally, the shell press, and the conversion press, include a rampress and a tooling assembly with a movable upper tooling and astationary lower tooling. That is, as used herein, the “ram press” is anassembly that is being identified as a component of the conversion pressas opposed to the other way around. This is because a ram press istypically sold as a complete unit to which the tooling and othercomponents are added so as to form the shell/conversion press.

In addition to the ram press, a shell press and/or conversion pressincludes a housing or frame assembly, a tooling assembly and a number ofdie sets. The tooling assembly includes a number of upper toolingassemblies and number of lower tooling assemblies. As is known, a rampress includes an elongated ram body through which force is transferred.The upper tooling assemblies are coupled to, and operatively engaged by,the ram body. The upper and lower tooling assemblies include a number ofmounting devices to which a plurality of dies are coupled. Thesemounting devices are hereinafter identified as a “die shoe.” Thus, theupper tooling assembly moves between a spaced, upper position, whereinthe upper tooling assembly (and therefore the upper die shoe and dies)is spaced from the lower tooling assembly (and therefore the lower dieshoe and dies), and, a lower/forming, second position, wherein the uppertooling assembly is a forming distance from the lower tooling assemblieswhereby the dies contact and form the blanks. The reciprocal motionwherein the upper tooling assembly moves from the first position to thesecond position and then returns to the first position is, as usedherein, a “cycle.”

In a shell press, each die shoe supports shell die set (and in aconversion press a die shoe supports a shell die set and/or a tab dieset). As used herein, a “die set” means a plurality of dies that arestructured to be, and are, disposed in series wherein each die forms aportion of the shell, or tab, when the upper tooling assembly is in thesecond position. As used herein, each “die set” inherently includes“upper dies” and “lower dies.” Thus, following an introduction of a “dieset” it is understood that there are inherently “die set upper dies” and“die set lower dies.” Thus, as used herein, following an introduction ofa “die set,” the “die set upper dies” and “die set lower dies” do nothave to be specifically introduced as they are inherently introduced aspart of the “die set” A die set forms a “lane” through whichblanks/shells travel. That is, as used herein, a “lane” is a pathdefined by a die set through which a shell moves as it is being formed.In a conversion press there is one “die set” for the tabs and aplurality of “die sets” for the shells. Further, the shell die sets aresubstantially similar to each other. That is, in an exemplaryembodiment, each die set includes substantially similar dies that aredisposed in the same sequence. Thus, as the blanks/shells move throughthe conversion press, each “lane” forms one shell into a substantiallysimilar “can end.”

Each shell die set is structured to and does, perform a number offorming operations on the blank/shell. In an exemplary embodiment, anindividual die performs one forming operation on the blank/shell. It isunderstood that each upper die has an associated lower die whereby theupper die and lower die operate cooperatively to accomplish the formingoperation. In this configuration, each die is identified as a “station.”As used herein, a “station” is a location on the tooling and/or the lanethat includes a forming die, or, which is a location for an “idle”station. An “idle” station is a location without a die or wherein noforming operations occur.

Further, the blanks are “indexed” through the tooling assembly. As usedherein, to “index” means that the blank or a strip of metal is movedintermittently through the tooling assembly a predetermined/set distanceduring each cycle of the ram press/tooling assembly. As is generallyknown, as the upper tooling is moving from the second position to thefirst position, the blanks/shells are moving between stations. In somepresses, the blanks/shells are also moving as the upper tooling movestoward the second position. Before the upper tooling moves fully intothe forming, second position, and while the upper tooling is in theforming, second position, the blanks/shells stop moving at a “station.”Thus, as the blanks move through the tooling assembly, the blanks/shellsare progressively formed into shells.

The tabs are formed in a similar manner but are generally formeddirectly in a sheet of metal. That is, the tabs are not initially cutinto separate blanks that are individually formed. Instead, tabs areproduced by feeding in a continuous sheet of metal through a tab die andthe tabs are substantially formed while coupled to the sheet. The tabdie set forms one row of tabs in the strip for each shell lane. That is,if there are three shell lanes, the tab die foul's three rows of tabs.As used herein, a “row” of tabs is a series of tabs extending along aline generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the strip ofmaterial from which the tabs are formed (hereinafter, “tab strip”). Thefinal formation step typically couples the tab to a shell while cuttingthe tab from the sheet. In an exemplary embodiment, the tab toolingassembly is directly adjacent and/or is part of the conversion press.

The shells, and in some embodiments the tabs, are conveyed to aconversion press. As used herein, a “conversion press” is an assemblyincluding a ram press and number of die assemblies or die sets and whichis structured to couple a tab to a shell thereby creating a can end. Thenumber of forming operations performed on the shell by the shell pressaffects the number of forming operations performed on the shell by theconversion press. That is, either the shell press or the conversionpress is, or can be, structured to perform certain operations such as,but not limited to, creating a score for a tear panel. In an exemplaryembodiment, the conversion press stations form the paneling, score andintegrated rivet on the shell. The rivet on the shell is theelement/formation to which the tab is coupled. It is, however,understood that in another embodiment, the rivet is formed in the shellpress. Thus, in general, at the conversion press, the blank/shell is fedonto a transfer belt which indexes through an elongated, die setdefining a number of lanes.

That is, a downstacker feeds individual shells onto a transfer belthaving cavities or recesses sized to accommodate a single shell. In anexemplary embodiment, the transfer belt includes a number of “columns”of recesses. Thus, as used herein, a “column” of recesses means a seriesof recesses wherein the center of each recess in the “column” isdisposed substantially along a line extending substantially parallel tothe longitudinal axis of the transfer belt. In an exemplary embodiment,each transfer belt includes two columns of recesses.

At the same time the shells are moving through the conversion press, thetabs are also being formed, either in a press adjacent the conversionpress or in the conversion press, and are moved generally perpendicularto the direction of motion of the shells. Stated alternately, thelongitudinal axes of the tab die rows are disposed generallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the shell dies lanes. As notedabove, the tabs are formed from a strip of generally planar sheetmaterial. The tab strip extends through the tab die and, as such,extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the transferbelts. Moreover, the tab strip extends over the transfer belts and theshells therein. This configuration is notable as discussed in detailbelow.

Generally, conversion presses included three single shell lanes or twodouble shell lanes. Thus, during each cycle of the ram press, theconversion press produced either three or four can ends. Such conversionpresses are identified as a “three-out” or “four-out” conversion press.It is desirable to increase the number of can ends produced by aconversion press. This is accomplished by increasing the speed of theconversion press and/or increasing the number of shell lanes on theconversion press. To this end, “six-out” conversion presses, i.e., aconversion press with six shell lanes, have been introduced. Some of thesix-out conversion presses operate at a higher speed than knownconversion presses.

As noted above, the tab die forms tabs in rows in the strip of material.Thus, the tab strip is sufficiently wide enough to accommodate theappropriate number of rows of tabs. That is, for a three-out conversionpress, the tab strip was wide enough to form three rows of tabs and fora four-out conversion press, the tab strip was wide enough to form fourrows of tabs. The tabs are configured to be manipulated by human fingersand have a width of about ⅝ inch. Thus, a tab strip for a three-outconversion press was about 2.542 inches wide and tab strip for afour-out conversion press was about 3.336 inches wide. Further, for abeverage can, the shell is about 2 1/16 inches in diameter. The columnsof recesses on the transfer belts are disposed about 2.5 inch apart(measured centerline to centerline). Further, the recesses of thetransfer belt are slightly offset longitudinally. That is, a lineextending generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a transferbelt does not cross the center of more than one shell/recess.

These dimensions are notable due the configuration of the transfer beltcolumns and the tab strip rows discussed above. That is, FIG. 1 shows anexemplary configuration of a tab strip 6 and two transfer belts 80,described below, at the time an upper tooling assembly is in the secondposition, i.e., when a tab 4 is being coupled, or “staked,” to a shell3. As shown, a tab strip 6 extends generally perpendicularly overtransfer belts 80 (two shown). The intersection of the tab strip 6 and atransfer belt 80 is, as used herein, a “crossover.” Given the width ofthe tab strip 6, the width of a transfer belt 80, the diameter of theshells 3, and the offset configuration of the recesses 86, describedbelow, as a tab 4 is being staked, the tab strip 6 partially covers acluster of four shells 3/recesses 86. As shown, the tabs are staked atthe lower two recesses 86 on the left transfer belt 80L and at the uppertwo recesses 86 on the transfer belt 80R on the right. As can be seen,the tab strip 6 partially covers the subsequent (upstream) shells3/recesses 86 of the left transfer belt 80L and the prior (downstream)shells 3/recesses 86 of the right transfer belt 80R. These locationsare, as used herein, the “covered stations.” In this configuration, thefour covered stations are idle stations. That is, because the tab stripis in the way, it is impossible for a die to perform forming operationson most areas of the shells 3 in the covered stations. As no formingoperation occur at an idle station, there are no dies acting upon theshells 3 at the covered station. Due to vibrations and other forcescreated during forming operations, the shells 3 at the idle stations, ifnot retained, would be able to shift or become askew in the recesses 86.

Because of this, the tooling assemblies typically included retainingpins at the covered stations. The retaining pins moved with the uppertooling assemblies and engaged the shells 3 at the covered stations astabs 4 were being coupled to the shells 3 at the adjacent stations. Thatis, the retaining pins moved to engage the shells 3 at the idle stationsas the upper tooling assembly moved from the first position to thesecond position. When the upper tooling assembly was in the secondposition, the retaining pins fully engaged the shells 3 at the idlestations and maintained the shells 3 within the recesses 86. This ispossible because the tab strip 6 only partially covered a 2×2 cluster ofshells 3/recesses 86. That is, if a shell 3/recess 86 was fully coveredby the tab strip 6, then the retaining pin could not contact the shell3. Thus, with a tab strip sized to accommodate four rows of tabs 4, theshell 3 at an idle station adjacent a staking station is partiallyaccessible and is engaged by a retaining pin.

For a six-out conversion press, the tab strip must have a sufficientwidth to accommodate six rows of tabs. A six row tab strip has a widththat covers more than a 2×2 cluster of shells 3/recesses 86. In thisconfiguration, shells disposed near the middle of the tab strip 6 arewholly covered. Thus, retaining pins cannot access the shells 3 at theidle stations adjacent the staking stations. This is problem. That is,if the shells 3 are not retained, the shells 3 may shift or become askewin the recesses 86 due to vibration and other forces created during theforming process. This is a problem.

There is, therefore, a need for a retainer assembly in a six-outconversion press wherein the retainer assembly is structured to maintainshells within the recesses of a transfer belt at the crossover. There isa further need for a retainer assembly that is operative with existingconversion press elements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These needs, and others, are met by at least one embodiment of thedisclosed and claimed concept which provides a retainer assemblyincluding a retaining member assembly and a motion assembly. Theretaining member assembly is structured to selectively retain at leastone shell in a transfer belt assembly belt recess. The retaining memberassembly includes a retaining member. The motion assembly is structuredto move the retaining member between a first position, wherein theretaining member is spaced from the transfer belt assembly transferbelt, and, a second position, wherein the retaining member is disposed aretaining distance from the transfer belt assembly transfer belt.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the followingdescription of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a four-out conversion press stakingstation and adjacent stations.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a conversion press.

FIG. 3A is a top view of a conversion press with the upper toolingassembly removed for clarity. FIG. 3B is a bottom view of a conversionpress upper tooling assembly.

FIG. 4 is a detail top cross-sectional view of a conversion press.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a retainer assembly with selected elementsremoved for clarity.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a retainer assembly adjacent a transferbelt with other elements removed for clarity.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a retainer assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It will be appreciated that the specific elements illustrated in thefigures herein and described in the following specification are simplyexemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept, which are provided asnon-limiting examples solely for the purpose of illustration. Therefore,specific dimensions, orientations, assembly, number of components used,embodiment configurations and other physical characteristics related tothe embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting onthe scope of the disclosed concept.

Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, clockwise,counterclockwise, left, right, top, bottom, upwards, downwards andderivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown inthe drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expresslyrecited therein.

As used herein, the singular form of “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferences unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, “structured to [verb]” means that the identified elementor assembly has a structure that is shaped, sized, disposed, coupledand/or configured to perform the identified verb. For example, a memberthat is “structured to move” is movably coupled to another element andincludes elements that cause the member to move or the member isotherwise configured to move in response to other elements orassemblies. As such, as used herein, “structured to [verb]” recitesstructure and not function. Further, as used herein, “structured to[verb]” means that the identified element or assembly is intended to,and is designed to, perform the identified verb. Thus, an element thatis merely capable of performing the identified verb but which is notintended to, and is not designed to, perform the identified verb is not“structured to [verb].”

As used herein, “associated” means that the elements are part of thesame assembly and/or operate together, or, act upon/with each other insome manner. For example, an automobile has four tires and four hubcaps. While all the elements are coupled as part of the automobile, itis understood that each hubcap is “associated” with a specific tire.

As used herein, a “coupling assembly” includes two or more couplings orcoupling components. The components of a coupling or coupling assemblyare generally not part of the same element or other component. As such,the components of a “coupling assembly” may not be described at the sametime in the following description.

As used herein, a “coupling” or “coupling component(s)” is one or morecomponent(s) of a coupling assembly. That is, a coupling assemblyincludes at least two components that are structured to be coupledtogether. It is understood that the components of a coupling assemblyare compatible with each other. For example, in a coupling assembly, ifone coupling component is a snap socket, the other coupling component isa snap plug, or, if one coupling component is a bolt, then the othercoupling component is a nut or threaded bore. Further, a passage in anelement is part of the “coupling” or “coupling component(s).” Forexample, in an assembly of two wooden boards coupled together by a nutand a bolt extending through passages in both boards, the nut, the boltand the two passages are each a “coupling” or “coupling component.”

As used herein, a “fastener” is a separate component structured tocouple two or more elements. Thus, for example, a bolt is a “fastener”but a tongue-and-groove coupling is not a “fastener.” That is, thetongue-and-groove elements are part of the elements being coupled andare not a separate component.

As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are“coupled” shall mean that the parts are joined or operate togethereither directly or indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediateparts or components, so long as a link occurs. As used herein, “directlycoupled” means that two elements are directly in contact with eachother. As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that twocomponents are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constantorientation relative to each other. As used herein, “adjustably fixed”means that two components are coupled so as to move as one whilemaintaining a constant general orientation or position relative to eachother while being able to move in a limited range or about a singleaxis. For example, a doorknob is “adjustably fixed” to a door in thatthe doorknob is rotatable, but generally the doorknob remains in asingle position relative to the door. Further, a cartridge (nib and inkreservoir) in a retractable pen is “adjustably fixed” relative to thehousing in that the cartridge moves between a retracted and extendedposition, but generally maintains its orientation relative to thehousing. Accordingly, when two elements are coupled, all portions ofthose elements are coupled. A description, however, of a specificportion of a first element being coupled to a second element, e.g., anaxle first end being coupled to a first wheel, means that the specificportion of the first element is disposed closer to the second elementthan the other portions thereof. Further, an object resting on anotherobject held in place only by gravity is not “coupled” to the lowerobject unless the upper object is otherwise maintained substantially inplace. That is, for example, a book on a table is not coupled thereto,but a book glued to a table is coupled thereto.

As used herein, the phrase “removably coupled” or “temporarily coupled”means that one component is coupled with another component in anessentially temporary manner. That is, the two components are coupled insuch a way that the joining or separation of the components is easy andwould not damage the components. For example, two components secured toeach other with a limited number of readily accessible fasteners, i.e.,fasteners that are not difficult to access, are “removably coupled”whereas two components that are welded together or joined by difficultto access fasteners are not “removably coupled.” A “difficult to accessfastener” is one that requires the removal of one or more othercomponents prior to accessing the fastener wherein the “other component”is not an access device such as, but not limited to, a door.

As used herein, “operatively coupled” means that a number of elements orassemblies, each of which is movable between a first position and asecond position, or a first configuration and a second configuration,are coupled so that as the first element moves from oneposition/configuration to the other, the second element moves betweenpositions/configurations as well. It is noted that a first element maybe “operatively coupled” to another without the opposite being true.

As used herein, “functionally coupled” means that a number of elementsor assemblies are coupled together so that a characteristic and/orfunction of one element/assembly is communicated or usable by the otherelement/assembly. For example, a characteristic of an extension cord isthe ability to communicate electricity. When two extension cords are“functionally coupled,” the two extension cords are coupled so thatelectricity is communicable through both extension cords. As anotherexample, two wireless routers, which have the characteristic ofcommunication data, are “functionally coupled” when the two routers arein communication with each other (but not physically coupled to eachother) so that data is communicable through both routers.

As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components“engage” one another means that the elements exert a force or biasagainst one another either directly or through one or more intermediateelements or components. Further, as used herein with regard to movingparts, a moving part may “engage” another element during the motion fromone position to another and/or may “engage” another element once in thedescribed position. Thus, it is understood that the statements, “whenelement A moves to element A first position, element A engages elementB,” and “when element A is in element A first position, element Aengages element B” are equivalent statements and mean that element Aeither engages element B while moving to element A first position and/orelement A either engages element B while in element A first position.

As used herein, “operatively engage” means “engage and move.” That is,“operatively engage” when used in relation to a first component that isstructured to move a movable or rotatable second component means thatthe first component applies a force sufficient to cause the secondcomponent to move. For example, a screwdriver may be placed into contactwith a screw. When no force is applied to the screwdriver, thescrewdriver is merely “temporarily coupled” to the screw. If an axialforce is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver is pressed againstthe screw and “engages” the screw. However, when a rotational force isapplied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver “operatively engages” thescrew and causes the screw to rotate. Further, with electroniccomponents, “operatively engage” means that one component controlsanother component by a control signal or current.

As used herein, “temporarily disposed” means that a first element(s) orassembly(ies) is resting on a second element(s) or assembly(ies) in amanner that allows the first element/assembly to be moved without havingto decouple or otherwise manipulate the first element. For example, abook simply resting on a table, i.e., the book is not glued or fastenedto the table, is “temporarily disposed” on the table.

As used herein, “correspond” indicates that two structural componentsare sized and shaped to be similar to each other and may be coupled witha minimum amount of friction. Thus, an opening which “corresponds” to amember is sized slightly larger than the member so that the member maypass through the opening with a minimum amount of friction. Thisdefinition is modified if the two components are to fit “snugly”together. In that situation, the difference between the size of thecomponents is even smaller whereby the amount of friction increases. Ifthe element defining the opening and/or the component inserted into theopening are made from a deformable or compressible material, the openingmay even be slightly smaller than the component being inserted into theopening. With regard to surfaces, shapes, and lines, two, or more,“corresponding” surfaces, shapes, or lines have generally the same size,shape, and contours.

As used herein, a “path of travel” or “path,” when used in associationwith an element that moves, includes the space an element moves throughwhen in motion. As such, any element that moves inherently has a “pathof travel” or “path.” Further, a “path of travel” or “path” relates to amotion of one identifiable construct as a whole relative to anotherobject. For example, assuming a perfectly smooth road, a rotating wheel(an identifiable construct) on an automobile generally does not moverelative to the body (another object) of the automobile. That is, thewheel, as a whole, does not change its position relative to, forexample, the adjacent fender. Thus, a rotating wheel does not have a“path of travel” or “path” relative to the body of the automobile.Conversely, the air inlet valve on that wheel (an identifiableconstruct) does have a “path of travel” or “path” relative to the bodyof the automobile. That is, while the wheel rotates and is in motion,the air inlet valve, as a whole, moves relative to the body of theautomobile.

As used herein, the word “unitary” means a component that is created asa single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces thatare created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a“unitary” component or body.

As used herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greaterthan one (i.e., a plurality). That is, for example, the phrase “a numberof elements” means one element or a plurality of elements. It isspecifically noted that the term “a ‘number’ of [X]” includes a single[X].

As used herein, in the phrase “[x] moves between its first position andsecond position,” or, “[y] is structured to move [x] between its firstposition and second position,” “[x]” is the name of an element orassembly. Further, when [x] is an element or assembly that moves betweena number of positions, the pronoun “its” means “[x],” i.e., the namedelement or assembly that precedes the pronoun “its.”

As used herein, a “radial side/surface” for a circular or cylindricalbody is a side/surface that extends about, or encircles, the centerthereof or a height line passing through the center thereof. As usedherein, an “axial side/surface” for a circular or cylindrical body is aside that extends in a plane extending generally perpendicular to aheight line passing through the center of the cylinder. That is,generally, for a cylindrical soup can, the “radial side/surface” is thegenerally circular sidewall and the “axial side(s)/surface(s)” are thetop and bottom of the soup can. Further, as used herein, “radiallyextending” means extending in a radial direction or along a radial line.That is, for example, a “radially extending” line extends from thecenter of the circle or cylinder toward the radial side/surface.Further, as used herein, “axially extending” means extending in theaxial direction or along an axial line. That is, for example, an“axially extending” line extends from the bottom of a cylinder towardthe top of the cylinder and substantially parallel to a centrallongitudinal axis of the cylinder.

As used herein, “generally curvilinear” includes elements havingmultiple curved portions, combinations of curved portions and planarportions, and a plurality of planar portions or segments disposed atangles relative to each other thereby forming a curve.

As used herein, a “planar body” or “planar member” is a generally thinelement including opposed, wide, generally parallel surfaces, i.e., theplanar surfaces of the planar member, as well as a thinner edge surfaceextending between the wide parallel surfaces. That is, as used herein,it is inherent that a “planar” element has two opposed planar surfaces.The perimeter, and therefore the edge surface, may include generallystraight portions, e.g., as on a rectangular planar member, or becurved, as on a disk, or have any other shape.

As used herein, for any adjacent ranges that share a limit, e.g., 0%-5%and 5%-10, or, 0.05 inch-0.10 inch and 0.001 inch-0.05 inch, the upperlimit of the lower range, i.e., 5% and 0.05 inch in the lower range ofthe examples above, means slightly less than the identified limit. Thatis, in the example above, the range 0%-5% means 0%-4.999999% and therange 0.001 inch-0.05 inch means 0.001 inch-0.04999999 inch.

As used herein, “upwardly depending” means an element that extendsupwardly and generally perpendicular from another element.

As employed herein, the terms “can” and “container” are usedsubstantially interchangeably to refer to any known or suitablecontainer, which is structured to contain a substance (e.g., withoutlimitation, liquid; food; any other suitable substance), and expresslyincludes, but is not limited to, beverage cans, such as beer andbeverage cans, as well as food cans.

As used herein, a “can body” includes a base and a depending, orupwardly depending, sidewall. The “can body” is unitary. In thisconfiguration, the “can body” defines a generally enclosed space. Thus,the “can body,” i.e., the base and sidewall, also include(s) an outersurface and an inner surface. That is, for example, a “can body”includes a sidewall inner surface and a sidewall outer surface.

As used herein, to “form” metal means to change the shape of a metalconstruct.

As used herein, a “forming distance” is a distance between two dies thatis sufficiently narrow that at least a portion of the die(s) contactsand forms the material between the dies.

As used herein, “about” in a phrase such as “disposed about [an element,point or axis]” or “extend about [an element, point or axis]” or “[X]degrees about an [an element, point or axis],” means encircle, extendaround, or measured around. When used in reference to a measurement orin a similar manner, “about” means “approximately,” i.e., in anapproximate range relevant to the measurement as would be understood byone of ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, an “elongated” element inherently includes alongitudinal axis and/or longitudinal line extending in the direction ofthe elongation.

As used herein, “generally” means “in a general manner” relevant to theterm being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art.

As used herein, “substantially” means “for the most part” relevant tothe term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skillin the art.

As used herein, “at” means on and/or near relevant to the term beingmodified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, “a line of action substantially aligned with thelongitudinal axis” means that the line of force and the longitudinalaxis are substantially co-extensive.

As described below, blanks 1, shells 3, and/or a tab strip 6 movethrough lanes 34 in a conversion press 10, described below. As usedherein, the location whereat the blanks 1, shells 3, and/or a tab strip6 enter the conversion press 10 is the “upstream” end of a lane.Conversely, the “downstream” end is where the can ends 5 or the scrapfrom the tab strip 6 exit the lane.

As used herein, a “beverage” can/container means a container structuredto contain a beverage such as beer or carbonated beverages, i.e., a“soda” or “pop.” As is known, some such containers are known to containabout 12 ounces of liquid, but other, similar volumes are known as well.Such containers are structured to be held in a human hand and containone or two servings. Thus, a gallon container for milk or a coffeesamovar, while containing beverages, are not, as used herein, “beverage”containers. Further, “beverage” is used as an adjective; thus, forexample, a “beverage” can conversion press means a conversion pressstructured to make can ends for a “beverage” can.

As used herein, a “six-out conversion press” means a conversion pressincluding a single tab strip having a width sufficient to accommodatesix rows of tabs.

As used herein, a “2×2 cluster” of shells and/or shell recesses in atransfer belt means an area having a length and a width wherein thelength is defined by the most upstream edge and the most downstream edgeof the shells/shell recesses in a transfer belt wherein the centers ofthe shells/shell recesses are disposed in a generally rectangular ortrapezoidal pattern and wherein the shells/shell recesses are disposedimmediately adjacent each other, i.e., without other shells/shellrecesses disposed therebetween. It is understood that the shells/shellrecesses are, in an exemplary embodiment, offset from each other. Thatis, as used herein with respect to shells/shell recesses, “offset” meansa line extending generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of atransfer belt does not cross the center of more than one shell/recess.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, a conversion press 10, and in an exemplaryembodiment, a beverage can conversion press 10, is structured to formmetal blanks 1 and/or a metal sheet (not shown) into can ends 5. Thefollowing disclosure uses generally circular blanks 1, which are formedinto generally circular can ends 5, as an example. It is understood thatthis shape is exemplary only and the blanks 1/can ends 5 can be of anyshape. In an exemplary embodiment, the blanks 1 are initially cut from asheet of metal such as, but not limited to aluminum, steel, or alloys ofaluminum and/or steel. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, the blanks1 are formed, or partially formed into “shells” 3. As is known, and asused herein, a “shell” means a blank that has certain formations suchas, but not limited to, a center panel and a countersink, but which doesnot include a tab 4. In the embodiment shown, shells 3 are provided tothe conversion press 10. In another embodiment, not shown, theconversion press 10 cuts blanks 1 from a metal sheet and forms theblanks into shells 3. As used herein, when a shell 3 has a tab 4 coupledthereto, the shell 3 becomes a “can end” 5.

The conversion press 10 includes a housing/frame assembly 12(hereinafter, “housing assembly” 12), a ram press 14 (FIG. 2), a toolingset 20, and a transfer belt assembly 70. The housing assembly 12 isstructured to, and does, support the other elements of the conversionpress 10. Generally, the specific details of the ram press 14 are notrelevant to this disclosure other than to note that the ram press 14includes an elongated ram body 16 (FIG. 2), that is structured to movein a reciprocal motion and to apply a force sufficient to form metal ata plurality of forming stations, as described below. As is known, theram press 14 applies the force through the ram body 16. Thus, the rambody 16 is structured to, and does, apply a force along a line of actionsubstantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the ram body 16.Further, the ram body 16 is structured to be, and is, coupled(indirectly in an exemplary embodiment) to a number of toolingassemblies 30 and, in an exemplary embodiment, an upper die assembly 40,as described below. In the exemplary configuration, the ram body 16 isdisposed generally above the tooling assemblies 30 and moves the upperdie assemblies 40 downwardly into a second position, as described below.

That is, the nomenclature as used herein is as follows: the “tooling set20” includes a number of upper die shoes 24, a number of lower die shoes28, and a number of “tooling assemblies 30.” That is, the “tool set”means, essentially, all the elements that are, or can be, swapped out onthe ram press 14 when the conversion press 10 is configured to form adifferent type of can end 5. Each “tooling assembly 30” includes an“upper tooling assembly 31” and a “lower tooling assembly 33.” Eachupper/lower die assembly 40, 50 includes the upper/lower dies in a “dieset” 32. In the embodiment disclosed herein, each “upper toolingassembly 31” is movably coupled to the housing assembly 12 andoperatively engaged by the ram press 14 and is structured to movebetween a first position, wherein the “upper tooling assembly 31,” andelements coupled thereto, are spaced from an associated “lower toolingassembly 33” and elements coupled thereto, and, a second position,wherein the “upper tooling assembly 31,” and elements coupled thereto,are disposed a forming distance from the associated “lower toolingassembly 33” and elements coupled thereto. Further, each “upper toolingassembly 31” includes one of the upper die shoes 24 and an upper dieassembly 40. Similarly, each “lower tooling assembly 33” includes one ofthe lower die shoes 28 and a lower die assembly 50. That is, as usedherein, the upper die shoes 24 and the lower die shoes 28 are identifiedcollectively as part of the tooling set 20 and individually as part ofan upper tooling assembly 31/lower tooling assembly 33. Further, eachupper die assembly 40 has an associated lower die assembly 50, i.e., theupper and lower die assemblies that are disposed in opposition to eachother are associated and are also identified collectively herein as a“die set 32,” as discussed below.

In an exemplary embodiment, the tooling set upper mounting 22 iscoupled, directly coupled, or fixed to the ram press 14/the ram body 16and moves therewith. Stated alternately, the ram body 16 operativelyengages the upper die assembly 40. The tooling set lower mounting 26 iscoupled, directly coupled, or fixed to the housing assembly 12 and issubstantially stationary. Each upper die shoe 24 is coupled, directlycoupled, or fixed to the tooling set upper mounting 22 and movestherewith. Each lower die shoe 28 is coupled, directly coupled, or fixedto the tooling set lower mounting 26 and is substantially stationary.Each upper die assembly 40 is coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to anupper die shoe 24 and moves therewith. Each lower die assembly 50 iscoupled, directly coupled, or fixed to a lower die shoe 28 and issubstantially stationary. Thus, the tooling set 20, the toolingassemblies 30, and the die sets 32 (discussed below), are structured to,and do, form the blanks 1/shells 3. In this configuration, the upper dieassembly 40 is structured to, and does, move between a first position,wherein the upper die assembly 40 is spaced from an associated lower dieassembly 50, and, a second position, wherein the upper die assembly 40is disposed a forming distance from the associated lower die assembly50. It is understood that when the upper die assembly 40 is in thesecond position, the pairs of opposed dies 36′, 36″ are spaced by aforming distance and that a blank 1 therebetween has a forming operationperformed thereon.

The tooling set 20 includes a plurality of shell die sets 32 and a tabdie set 35. Each tooling assembly 30 structured to form shells 3includes a number of shell die sets 32 wherein each shell die set 32defines at least one elongated shell lane 34. As used herein, a “shelllane” 34 means a series of dies 36′, 36″ (discussed below) disposed inseries and through which a blank 1/shell 3 passes and is formed. Thetooling set 20 also includes one tooling assembly 30 that is structuredto, and does, form tabs. This is the tab tooling assembly 30′ andincludes a tab upper tooling assembly 31′ and a tab lower toolingassembly 33′, and a tab die set 35. The tab die set 35 includes a tabupper die assembly 40′ and lower tab die assembly 50′. The tab dies setdefines an elongated tab lane 34T.

Further to the definition set forth above, as used herein, a “die set”32 includes a plurality of pairs of opposed dies 36′, 36″, i.e., anupper die 36′ and a lower die 36″, wherein each pair of dies 36′, 36″defines a forming station 38. In an exemplary embodiment, the pluralityof pairs of opposed dies 36′, 36″ are disposed in series and in asubstantially straight line.

Further, each forming station 38 performs a number of forming operationson blank 1/shell 3. In an exemplary embodiment, each forming station 38performs a single forming operation on blank 1/shell 3. Further, oneforming station 38 is structured to, and does, stake a tab 4 to eachshell 3. Hereinafter, this station is identified as the “staking station38.” Further, adjacent each staking station 38 is an idle station 39wherein no forming activity occurs to the shell 3, tab 4 or can end 5.The idle station(s) 39 are located upstream, downstream or both relativeto a staking station 38.

As noted above, each tooling assembly 30 includes an upper toolingassembly 31 and a lower tooling assembly 33. Each upper tooling assembly31 includes one of the upper die shoes 24 and an upper die assembly 40,40′. Each lower tooling assembly 33 includes one of the lower die shoes28 and a lower die assembly 50, 50′. As is known, each upper dieassembly 40 is coupled, directly coupled, fixed, or temporarily coupledto an upper die shoe 24, and, each lower die assembly 50 is coupled,directly coupled, fixed or temporarily coupled to a lower die shoe 28.Further, the dies 36′, 36″ are coupled, directly coupled, fixed, ortemporarily coupled to an upper die shoe 24/a lower die shoe 28,respectively.

The transfer belt assembly 70 is structured to, and does, move aplurality of blanks 1/shells 3 through the tooling set 20/the toolingassemblies 30. That is, the transfer belt assembly 70 is structured to,and does, move a plurality of shells between each upper tooling assembly31 and a lower tooling assembly 33. The transfer belt assembly 70includes an indexing drive assembly 72 and a number of transfer belts80. The indexing drive assembly 72 includes an output shaft 74 that isoperatively coupled to each transfer belt 80. In an exemplaryembodiment, all transfer belts 80 are driven by a single indexing driveassembly 72. As noted above, an “indexing” motion means that indexingdrive assembly 72 rotates the output shaft 74, and therefore moves thetransfer belts 80, a predetermined/set distance during each cycle of theram press 14/tooling assembly 30. That is, generally, the indexing driveassembly 72 rotates the output shaft 74 and the transfer belts 80 move.In an exemplary embodiment, the operation of the indexing drive assembly72 and the motion of the transfer belts 80 is limited to the time whenthe upper die assembly 40 is moving from the second position to thefirst position. That is, the transfer belts 80 move as the upper dieassembly 40 is moving away from the lower tooling assembly 50. Inanother exemplary embodiment, operation of the indexing drive assembly72 and the motion of the transfer belts 80 occurs during the initialmotion of the upper die assembly 40 from the first position toward thesecond position. In all embodiments, the operation of the indexing driveassembly 72 and the motion of the transfer belts 80 stops before, andduring, the time the upper die assembly 40 is in the second position.Thus, the blanks 1/shells 3 are not moving during forming operations.

In an exemplary embodiment, there are three transfer belts 80; alateral, first transfer belt 80A, a central, second transfer belt 80Band a lateral, third transfer belt 80C, as discussed below. The transferbelts 80 are substantially similar and a generic transfer belt 80 isdescribed immediately below. The transfer belt 80 includes an elongatedbody 82 with ends (not numbered) that are coupled, directly coupled, orfixed to each other so that the transfer belt body 82 forms an elongatedloop. That is, the transfer belt body 82, even when formed into a loop,has a centerline or longitudinal axis 84 (hereinafter “longitudinalaxis” 84). In an exemplary embodiment, each transfer belt 80, i.e. eachtransfer belt body 82, is made from a resilient material such as, butnot limited to, neoprene rubber. The transfer belt body 8 includes aplurality of recesses 86. Each transfer belt body recess is sized andshaped to correspond to the blanks 1/shells 3 and, hereinafter, theblanks 1/shells 3 are considered to be the same size. That is, one shell3/blank 1 fits within each recess 86. The recesses 86 are disposed in anumber columns 90 that extends generally parallel to the transfer beltbody longitudinal axis 84. Hereinafter, and as used herein, thecollective term “column[s] of recesses 90” means the “column” and theproper reference number to follow the term “recess” is “90” rather than“86.” That is, reference number “86” identifies an individual recess 86whereas reference number “90” identifies a column of recesses 90. In anexemplary embodiment, each transfer belt 80 includes a limited number ofcolumns of recesses 90. That is, each transfer belt 80 includes twocolumns of generally adjacent pairs of recesses 90 with each column ofrecesses 90 disposed on opposed sides of the transfer belt bodylongitudinal axis 84. As shown in the figures, and in an exemplaryembodiment, the recesses 90 in the two columns are longitudinally offsetfrom each other. As used herein, a pair of recesses 90 in thisconfiguration is identified as “an offset adjacent pair of transfer beltassembly transfer belt recesses” 90.

As is known, a strip of material, such as, but not limited to analuminum sheet, passes through the tab die set 35 wherein the tab dieset forms rows of tabs 4 therein. The strip of material hassubstantially the same width as the tab die lane 34T and hereinafter thewidth of the tab die lane 34T and the width of tab strip 6 areconsidered the same. The longitudinal axis of the strip of material,i.e., the tab strip 6, extends, and moves, generally perpendicular toeach transfer belt body longitudinal axis 84. Further, in an exemplaryembodiment, the tab strip 6 is disposed over/above each transfer beltbody 82. In this configuration, the tab strip 6 creates a “crossover,”as defined above. In a six-out conversion press 10, the area of eachcrossover is larger than a 2×2 cluster of shells 3/recesses 86.

In this configuration, and at the time a tab 4 is staked to a shell 3,at least two shells 3 (other than the shells being staked) on eachtransfer belt 80 will be under the tab strip 6 at the crossover. Asnoted above, in this configuration, no retaining pin, or similarconstruct, that extends downwardly from an upper tooling assembly 31 isable to engage a shell 3 at an idle station 39 adjacent a stakingstation 38.

As shown in FIGS. 5-7, a retainer assembly 150 is structured to, anddoes, selectively retain at least one shell 3 in a transfer belt recess86 at an idle station 39 adjacent a staking station 38. The retainerassembly 150 includes a retaining member assembly 170 and a motionassembly 190. The retaining member assembly 170 is structured to, anddoes, selectively retain at least one shell 3 in a transfer belt recess86. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown, the retaining member assembly170, and therefore the retainer assembly 150, is structured to retainone, or in another embodiment, two, shell(s) 3 each in a transfer beltrecess 86. That is, there is one shell 3 retained in each transfer beltrecess 86 and the retaining member assembly 170 retains each shell 3 inan associated transfer belt recess 86. The motion assembly 190 isstructured to, and does, move a retaining member 172, discussed below,between a first position, wherein the retaining member 172 is spacedfrom a transfer belt assembly transfer belt 80, and, a second position,wherein the retaining member 172 is disposed a retaining distance from atransfer belt assembly transfer belt 80. As used herein, a “retainingdistance” means a distance sufficiently small so that a shell 3 or canend 5 disposed in a transfer belt recess 86 would contact the retainingmember 172 if the shell 3 or can end 5 were to move out of, or becomeaskew relative to, the transfer belt recess 86.

The retaining member assembly 170 includes a retaining member 172 and aleveling assembly 182. In embodiments not shown, the retaining member172 includes, but is not limited to, a resilient member, a number offingers, a net-like construct, or a tension member. In the embodimentshown, the retaining member 172 is an elongated idle bar 174. The idlebar 174 has a body 176 with a length sufficient to extendperpendicularly, i.e., laterally, across at last one transfer belt 80.The idle bar body 176 has a first end 178 and a second end 180. The idlebar body 176 is coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to the levelingassembly 182. The idle bar 174, and/or the idle bar body 176, isstructured to, and does, move between an upper, first position, whereinthe idle bar 174 is spaced from a transfer belt assembly transfer belt80, and, a second position, wherein the idle bar 174 is disposed aretaining distance from a transfer belt assembly transfer belt 80.Further, idle bar 174 is structured to, and does, extend generallyperpendicularly across at least one transfer belt assembly transfer belt80. In an exemplary embodiment, the idle bar 174 is structured to, anddoes, extend across an adjacent pair of transfer belt assembly transferbelt recesses 90. Further, in another exemplary embodiment, the idle bar174 is structured to, and does, extend across an offset adjacent pair oftransfer belt assembly transfer belt recesses 90.

The leveling assembly 182 is structured to, and does, level theretaining member 172. That is, the leveling assembly 182 is structuredto, and does, maintain the idle bar body 176 in a generally horizontalorientation, i.e., the longitudinal axis of the idle bar body 176remains generally horizontal. The leveling assembly 182 includes a firstelongated member 184 and a second elongated member 186. The levelingassembly first and second members 184, 186 move with the retainingmember 172. Thus, the leveling assembly first and second members 184,186 move between an upper, first position and a lower, second position.

The leveling assembly first member 184 includes an elongated body 185that is structured to be, and is, disposed adjacent to, and generallyparallel to the longitudinal axis of, a transfer belt assembly transferbelt 80. Similarly, the leveling assembly second member 186 includes anelongated body 187 structured to be disposed adjacent to, and generallyparallel to the longitudinal axis of, a transfer belt assembly transferbelt 80. The leveling assembly first elongated member 184 and theleveling assembly second elongated member 186 are disposed on oppositesides of the transfer belt assembly transfer belt 80. The idle bar firstend 178 is coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to the leveling assemblyfirst elongated member 184. The idle bar second end 180 is coupled,directly coupled, or fixed to the leveling assembly second elongatedmember 186. The leveling assembly first elongated member 184 is coupled,directly coupled, or fixed to at least one motion assembly lowerassembly member 202 (discussed below). Similarly, the leveling assemblysecond elongated member 186 is also coupled, directly coupled, or fixedto at least one motion assembly lower assembly member 202.

The motion assembly 190, in an exemplary embodiment, includes an upperassembly 192 and a lower assembly 200. The motion assembly upperassembly 192 is structured to be, and is, coupled to and moves with theupper tooling assembly 31. As shown, the motion assembly upper assembly192 includes a number of elongated members 194 that are structured to,and do, downwardly depend from the upper tooling assembly 31. That is,the motion assembly upper assembly members 194 are coupled, directlycoupled, or fixed to the upper tooling assembly 31. The motion assemblyupper assembly members 194 are disposed so that, as the upper toolingassembly 31 moves from the first position to the second position, themotion assembly upper assembly members 194 operatively engage the motionassembly lower assembly 200 and/or an associated leveling member 184,186.

The motion assembly lower assembly 200 is structured to be, and is,movably coupled to the lower tooling assembly 33. It is understood that,as used herein, when elements of an assembly are movably coupled toanother element, it is said that the assembly is movably coupled toanother element. The motion assembly lower assembly 200 is structuredto, and does, move between an upper first configuration and a lowersecond configuration. In the first configuration, the motion assemblylower assembly 200 is structured to, and does, position the levelingassembly first elongated member 184 and the leveling assembly secondelongated member 186 in the first position. In the second configuration,the motion assembly lower assembly 200 is structured to, and does,position the leveling assembly first elongated member 184 and theleveling assembly second elongated member 186 in the second position.

In an exemplary embodiment, the motion assembly lower assembly 200includes a number of elongated members 202 and a number of biasingdevices 204. As shown, the motion assembly lower assembly biasingdevices 204 are springs 206. The motion assembly lower assembly biasingdevices 204 are disposed in pockets (not numbered) in the lower toolingassembly 33. That is, the motion assembly lower assembly biasing devices204 are coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to the lower toolingassembly 33. The motion assembly lower assembly members 202 arestructured to be engaged by an associated motion assembly lower assemblybiasing device 204. The motion assembly lower assembly members 202 are,in an exemplary embodiment, elongated rods 208 having a flange (notshown) or other spring mounting. The motion assembly lower assemblymembers 202 also move between an upper, first position and a lowersecond position.

That is, the motion assembly lower assembly biasing devices 204 aredisposed in the pockets. The motion assembly lower assembly members 202are movably disposed in the pocket with the motion assembly lowerassembly biasing devices 204 between the motion assembly lower assemblymembers 202 and the pockets. In this configuration, the motion assemblylower assembly biasing devices 204 operatively engage and bias themotion assembly lower assembly members 202 to the first position. Themotion assembly lower assembly members 202 are coupled, directlycoupled, or fixed to the leveling assembly first and second members 184,186. That is, as shown, there are four motion assembly lower assemblymembers 202 with two coupled to each of the leveling assembly first andsecond members 184, 186. Thus, the leveling assembly first and secondmembers 184, 186 move with the motion assembly lower assembly members202 and are biased to their first position. Further the retaining member172, and as shown the idle bar 174, is coupled, directly coupled, orfixed to the leveling assembly first and second members 184, 186. Thus,the retaining member 172 is also biased to its first position.

In operation, the motion assembly upper assembly members 194 are alignedwith the motion assembly lower assembly members 202 and/or the levelingassembly first and second members 184, 186. In this configuration, andas the upper tooling assembly 31 moves from the first position to thesecond position, the motion assembly upper assembly members 194operatively engage the motion assembly lower assembly members 202 and/orthe leveling assembly first and second members 184, 186, causing themotion assembly lower assembly 200 to move from the first configurationto the second configuration. As the upper tooling assembly 31 moves fromthe second position to the first position, the bias of the motionassembly lower assembly biasing devices 204 bias, and move, the motionassembly lower assembly members 202 and/or the leveling assembly firstand second members 184, 186 to their first position. Thus, the retainingmember 172 cycles between the first and second positions as the uppertooling assembly 31 cycles between its first and second positions.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described indetail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and alternatives to those details could be developed inlight of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, theparticular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only andnot limiting as to the scope of invention which is to be given the fullbreadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof. Itis, however, noted that the term “tab lane having a width greater thanthe length of a 2×2 cluster of shell recesses” in the preamble of claim1 is necessary to give life, meaning, and vitality to the claim in thatthis configuration of elements prevents the use of a retaining pin tomaintain the shells 3 in position on the transfer belts 80. That is,while this element is not part of the retainer assembly 170, it is thisconfiguration that makes the retainer assembly 170 necessary.

What is claimed is:
 1. A retainer assembly for a conversion press, saidconversion press including an upper tooling assembly, a lower toolingassembly, and a transfer belt assembly, wherein said upper toolingassembly is structured to move between a first position, wherein saidupper tooling assembly is spaced from said lower tooling assembly, and,a second position, wherein said upper tooling assembly is disposed aforming distance from said lower tooling assembly, said upper toolingassembly and said lower tooling assembly defining a plurality of endlanes and a tab lane, said end lanes extending generally parallel toeach other, said tab lane extending generally perpendicular to said endlanes, said transfer belt assembly structured to move a number of shellsthrough each said end lane, said transfer belt assembly including anumber of transfer belts, each transfer belt assembly transfer beltdefining a number of recesses, each recess corresponding to a shell,each transfer belt assembly transfer belt moving through an end lane,said tab lane having a width greater than the length of a 2×2 cluster ofshell recesses, said retainer assembly comprising: a retaining memberassembly structured to selectively retain at least one shell in thetransfer belt assembly belt recess; said retaining member assemblyincluding a retaining member, and a motion assembly structured to movesaid retaining member between a first position, wherein said retainingmember is configured to be spaced from said transfer belt assemblytransfer belt, and, a second position, wherein said retaining member isdisposed a retaining distance from said transfer belt assembly transferbelt; wherein said retaining member includes an elongated idle bar; andsaid idle bar structured to extend generally perpendicularly across atleast one transfer belt assembly transfer belt.
 2. The retainer assemblyof claim 1 wherein said transfer belt assembly transfer belt recessesare disposed in generally adjacent pairs and wherein: said idle bar isstructured to extend across an adjacent pair of said transfer beltassembly transfer belt recesses.
 3. The retainer assembly of claim 1wherein: said motion assembly includes an upper assembly and a lowerassembly; said motion assembly upper assembly structured to be coupledto said upper tooling assembly; said motion assembly lower assemblystructured to be movably coupled to said lower tooling assembly; saidmotion assembly lower assembly structured to move between an upper firstconfiguration and a lower second configuration; said retaining membercoupled to said motion assembly lower assembly; wherein said motionassembly upper assembly is structured to move with said upper toolingassembly between an upper first position and a lower second position;and wherein said motion assembly upper assembly is structured to engagesaid motion assembly lower assembly and move said motion assembly lowerassembly between said motion assembly lower assembly first configurationand said motion assembly lower assembly second configuration.
 4. Theretainer assembly of claim 3 wherein: said motion assembly upperassembly includes a number of elongated members structured to downwardlydepend from said upper tooling assembly; said motion assembly lowerassembly includes a number of elongated members and a number of biasingdevices; said motion assembly lower assembly biasing devices coupled tosaid lower tooling assembly; each said motion assembly lower assemblymember structured to be engaged by an associated motion assembly lowerassembly biasing device; and wherein each motion assembly lower assemblybiasing device is operatively coupled to an associated motion assemblylower assembly member and biases said associated motion assembly lowerassembly member to the first position.
 5. The retainer assembly of claim4 wherein said retaining member assembly includes a leveling assemblystructured to level said retaining member.
 6. The retainer assembly ofclaim 5 wherein: said elongated idle bar having a first end and a secondend; said leveling assembly includes a first elongated member and asecond elongated member; said leveling assembly first elongated memberstructured to be disposed adjacent to, and generally parallel to thelongitudinal axis of, a transfer belt assembly transfer belt; saidleveling assembly second elongated member structured to be disposedadjacent to, and generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of, atransfer belt assembly transfer belt; said idle bar first end coupled tosaid leveling assembly first elongated member; said idle bar second endcoupled to said leveling assembly second elongated member; said levelingassembly first elongated member coupled to at least one motion assemblylower assembly member; and said leveling assembly second elongatedmember coupled to at least one motion assembly lower assembly member. 7.The retainer assembly of claim 6 wherein each said motion assembly lowerassembly biasing device is a spring.
 8. The retainer assembly of claim 6wherein each said motion assembly upper assembly member operativelyengages an associated leveling assembly member.
 9. A conversion presscomprising: an upper tooling assembly, a lower tooling assembly, atransfer belt assembly, and a retainer assembly; said upper toolingassembly structured to move between a first position, wherein said uppertooling assembly is spaced from said lower tooling assembly, and, asecond position, wherein said upper tooling assembly is disposed aforming distance from said lower tooling assembly; said upper toolingassembly and said lower tooling assembly defining a plurality of endlanes and a tab lane; said end lanes extending generally parallel toeach other; said tab lane extending generally perpendicular to said endlanes; said transfer belt assembly structured to move a number of shellsthrough each said end lane, said transfer belt assembly including anumber of transfer belts, each transfer belt assembly transfer beltdefining a number of recesses, each recess corresponding to a shell;each transfer belt assembly transfer belt moving through an end lane;said tab lane having a width greater than the length of a 2×2 cluster ofshell recesses; said retainer assembly including a retaining memberassembly and a motion assembly; said retaining member assemblystructured to selectively retain at least one shell in the transfer beltassembly belt recess; said retaining member assembly including aretaining member; and said motion assembly structured to move saidretaining member between a first position, wherein said retaining memberis spaced from said transfer belt assembly transfer belt, and, a secondposition, wherein said retaining member is disposed a retaining distancefrom said transfer belt assembly transfer belt; wherein said retainingmember includes an elongated idle bar; and said idle bar extendinggenerally perpendicularly across at least one transfer belt assemblytransfer belt.
 10. The conversion press of claim 9 wherein: said uppertooling assembly and said lower tooling assembly define a number ofstake stations; and said idle bar disposed immediately adjacent at leastone stake station.
 11. The conversion press of claim 9 wherein: saidupper tooling assembly and said lower tooling assembly define a numberof idle stations; and said idle bar disposed at least one idle station.12. The conversion press of claim 9 wherein: said transfer belt assemblytransfer belt recesses are disposed in generally adjacent pairs; andsaid idle bar extends across an adjacent pair of said transfer beltassembly transfer belt recesses.
 13. The conversion press of claim 9wherein: said motion assembly includes an upper assembly and a lowerassembly; said motion assembly upper assembly structured to be coupledto, and move with, said upper tooling assembly; said motion assemblylower assembly structured to be movably coupled to said lower toolingassembly; said motion assembly lower assembly structured to move betweenan upper first configuration and a lower second configuration; saidretaining member coupled to said motion assembly lower assembly; whereinsaid motion assembly upper assembly is structured to move with saidupper tooling assembly between an upper first position and a lowersecond position; and wherein said motion assembly upper assembly isstructured to engage said motion assembly lower assembly and move saidmotion assembly lower assembly between said motion assembly lowerassembly first configuration and said motion assembly lower assemblysecond configuration.
 14. The conversion press of claim 13 wherein: saidmotion assembly upper assembly includes a number of elongated membersstructured to downwardly depend from said upper tooling assembly; saidmotion assembly lower assembly includes a number of elongated membersand a number of biasing devices; said motion assembly lower assemblybiasing devices coupled to said lower tooling assembly; each said motionassembly lower assembly member structured to be engaged by an associatedmotion assembly lower assembly biasing device; and wherein each motionassembly lower assembly biasing device is operatively coupled to anassociated motion assembly lower assembly member and biases saidassociated motion assembly lower assembly member to the first position.15. The conversion press of claim 14 wherein said retaining memberassembly includes a leveling assembly structured to level said retainingmember.
 16. The conversion press of claim 15 wherein: said elongatedidle bar having a first end and a second end; said leveling assemblyincludes a first elongated member and a second elongated member; saidleveling assembly first elongated member structured to be disposedadjacent to, and generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of, atransfer belt assembly transfer belt; said leveling assembly secondelongated member structured to be disposed adjacent to, and generallyparallel to the longitudinal axis of, a transfer belt assembly transferbelt; said idle bar first end coupled to said leveling assembly firstelongated member; said idle bar second end coupled to said levelingassembly second elongated member; said leveling assembly first elongatedmember coupled to at least one motion assembly lower assembly member;and said leveling assembly second elongated member coupled to at leastone motion assembly lower assembly member.
 17. The conversion press ofclaim 16 wherein each said motion assembly lower assembly biasing deviceis a spring.
 18. The conversion press of claim 16 wherein each saidmotion assembly upper assembly member operatively engages an associatedleveling assembly member.